Would you like to be a lifeguard on Sydney's famous Bondi Beach? Bondi lifeguards work on one of the world's most beautiful beaches and keep millions of beach visitors safe every year. If being a Bondi lifeguard is your dream, here's everything you need to know.

Steps

1

Contact a surf life saving club in or close to Bondi.

Just about anyone can volunteer to be a lifesaver at Sydney surf life saving clubs.

Surf clubs will be happy to chat to you and tell you what is required if you want to be a volunteer lifeguard. Many will provide all the training you'll need. Call them, check out their websites or simply head down and chat to them. Surf clubs are very social and they're always keen to meet potential new members.

If you have your heart set on being a lifesaver on Bondi Beach specifically, contact Bondi Surf Bathers' Life Saving Club.

2

Get your Bronze Medallion

The minimum requirement for a qualified surf lifesaver in Australia is a Bronze Medallion. It's considered to be the international standard for surf lifesavers.

Attaining your bronze medallion is a tremendous personal achievement in itself. It means you are skilled in surf awareness, survival, patrol and rescue and emergency care. It will give you valuable skills that may last you a lifetime.

Your surf club will tell you what you need to do to attain your Bronze medallion.

You can also get your Bronze Medallion through the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia and at many other swimming and aquatic centres.

Many surf clubs regularly advertise that they are taking applications for people wishing to attain their bronze medallions and conduct the training themselves.[1]

3

Complete your surf club's proficiency test

If you want to be a volunteer lifeguard, most surf clubs will firstly need you to complete a swimming proficiency test.

This may be a timed swim in a swimming pool or a measured, open-water course. Don't worry. Your surf club will give you all the information you need so that you can practice and train to pass this test.[1]

4

Complete your surf club's training

Once you have passed your swimming proficiency test, your surf club will provide qualified instructors who will train you to the level of a proficient lifesaver they require. There'll be plenty of support and guidance.

At the completion of your training, you'll probably have to complete a physical fitness test. What is required may differ slightly from surf club to surf club. Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club require you to complete:

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Tips

If a vacancy comes up for a professional lifesaver job at Bondi, and you already have extensive experience as a volunteer lifesaver, it would be looked on very favourably. Getting to know Bondi Lifesavers and letting them know how keen and committed you are will help too. You can call Bondi Lifesavers and chat to them on (02)8362 3450. I spoke to them when I was researching this article and they were extremely helpful.

If a surf club trains you to be a volunteer lifesaver, you'll have duties and responsibilities to your club each season you volunteer. Make sure you show up to swim meets and meetings if it is required of you. Let people know if you can't make it on the days you are rostered on. Your surf club will quite reasonably, expect you to be responsible and keep your promises and commitments to them.

If you want full time paid work as a Bondi lifesaver, like the ones on the TV show "Bondi Rescue" you may be waiting a while for a vacancy. Waverley Council employ 30 or more paid professional lifesavers at Bondi Beach who work 365 days a year and vacancies do not come up often.